Stetson University Athletics

Alyssa Melani, senior at Stetson University, has been a cheerleader for 18 years. Her passion for cheerleading stems from the joy she finds in performing and supporting Stetson's sports teams. 

"I love cheerleading because I feel it brings out the best side of me," Melani, a native of Lake Mary, Florida said. "I love supporting the teams here at Stetson. I feel the most confident when I am cheering, and it keeps me healthy and happy." 

Melani is majoring in Communications and Media Studies with minors in Food Sustainability and Sport Business. She is also a Board Member on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the student-athlete representative on the University Athletics Committee. Melani is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communications and Media Studies Honor Society. One of her career aspirations is to become a sports broadcaster, leveraging her experience in cheerleading to excel in front of people and cameras.

"The bonds I have made with my teammates is my favorite part about Stetson cheer," said Melani, who attends Stetson alongside her brother, TJ, a member of the Hatter Stetson baseball team. Her parents are Dawn and Tom Melani and she also has a younger brother who attends Daytona State College. "I love being a Stetson University cheerleader, not just for the athletic part, but it is an honor to be able to represent the school and almost be the face of the school as cheerleaders should be."

Melani was a part of the Lake Mary High School cheerleading team for four years, contributing to three state championships. Her dance teams have won Summit 7 times and the Dance Worlds in 2019. She has also served as captain for both her high school cheerleading team and junior dance teams. Melani also was on the first Junior U.S. National Hip-Hop team for 3 years winning 3 gold medals. 

Growing up, Melani drew inspiration from watching senior dance teams and aspired to be like them. Today, as a coach and athlete, she strives to be a role model and positive influence for young girls who look up to her.

She credits her mother as the biggest influence in her life, providing guidance and support in every aspect. 

"She truly is the strongest woman I know and has given me amazing advice on every single thing," Melani said. "She has taught me right from wrong. She has taught me to never give up and to always chase my dreams, and most importantly, has never stopped supporting me. She is my best friend."

In addition to cheerleading, Melani has a passion for working out and nutrition. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping others lead a healthy lifestyle.

Melani’s impact extends beyond her athletic achievements. She aims to be remembered as a positive and supportive cheerleader who led her team to success. She wants to leave a lasting legacy by setting a high standard for the program and inspiring her teammates to be the best individuals they can be.

"I want to be remembered as an amazing role model to the underclassmen and want to be remembered as someone who set a standard for this program to be the best it can be," Melani said. "I want to leave this year knowing that it is better than how I came into the program."

Melani's journey at Stetson is not just about cheerleading, but about personal growth, leadership, and making a difference in the lives of others. Her dedication and passion for her sport and her community make her a true inspiration.
 

This story was developed using FanWord. The author and subject provided the initial concept and dialogue, with FanWord's AI tool generating the narrative structure and expanding descriptive passages.